Definition

Reasons for Procedure

It is done to treat
glaucoma.
The inside of the eye is normally bathed by a clear fluid. The fluid flows in and out of the front chamber of the eye. In most cases of glaucoma, this fluid flows too slowly out of the eye. The fluid builds up and increases the pressure inside the eye. If this pressure is not controlled, it can cause damage to the eye and loss of vision. This surgery is done to lower the amount of pressure in the eye. Decreasing the pressure may be needed to prevent further loss of vision.

It is important to note that while glaucoma surgery may save your remaining vision, it does not improve or restore sight.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have glaucoma surgery, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Sensitivity to light

Infection

Long-term irritation and inflammation of the eye

Bleeding

Loss of vision

Need for more surgery

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

There are 2 common types of glaucoma surgery: laser and incisional.

Laser Surgery

The main types of laser surgery include:

Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT)

Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT)
is the most common type of laser surgery. It is usually used to treat open angle glaucoma. During this procedure, you will sit facing the laser machine. The laser "spot" will be applied to a special contact lens held on the front of the eye. You may see flashes of red or green light as the laser is applied. This procedure will allow more fluid to be released and relieve some of the pressure.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)

The procedure is similar to ALT. SLT has the benefit of being repeatable. ALT cannot be done more than twice.

Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI)

Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)
is frequently used to treat narrow-angle glaucoma or to prevent glaucoma attacks in patients with anatomically narrow angles. Narrow-angle glaucoma occurs when the angle between the cornea (the clear structure on the front of the eye) and the iris (the colored part of the eye) is too small. This can cause the iris to plug up so that fluid cannot flow freely. This can cause the pressure to rise to dangerously high levels very quickly. In LPI, the laser will be used to make a small hole in the iris. The hole will allow fluid to flow more freely within the eye.

Cyclophotocoagulation

Cyclophotocoagulation
is used to freeze the parts of the eye that make the eye fluid. This procedure is usually done only in people who have severe damage from glaucoma and for whom other surgeries were not successful. Instead of freezing, this procedure can also be done with a laser.

Incisional Surgery (also known as Filtering Surgery)

This surgery uses tiny instruments to remove a piece from the wall of the eye. This creates a small hole, which is covered by conjunctiva (layer around the eye). The fluid can now drain out through the hole. It will then be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. This reduces the pressure in the eye. In some cases, the doctor may place a valve in the eye through a tiny incision.

Glaucoma Implants

If the above methods fail, another option is the use of implants. With implant surgery, most of the device is positioned on the outside of the eye. A small tube or filament is carefully inserted into the front chamber of the eye. The fluid drains through the tube, or along the filament, into the area around the back end of the implant. The fluid collects here and is reabsorbed. This procedure is slightly more risky than standard trabeculoplasty and should only be performed by doctors well versed in the technique.

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure usually takes less than 1 hour. People having the incisional procedure may need about 4-8 hours from the time of arrival until discharge.

Will It Hurt?

For most people, the local anesthesia will block pain during surgery. There may be some burning or stinging with ALT and LPI. Some people report mild discomfort during the procedures. Incisional glaucoma surgeries tend to have more discomfort after the procedure than laser procedures.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

After the procedure, you may be given:

An eye exam

Eye drops

An eye patch

At Home

When you get home:

When you get home:

Refrain from heavy lifting, straining, or driving until allowed by your doctor.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.